Flexible Container with Tube Member

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides a flexible container. In an embodiment, the flexible container includes a front panel, a rear panel, a first gusset side panel, and a second gusset side panel. The gusset side panels adjoin the front panel and the rear panel along (i) peripheral seals to form a chamber, and (ii) handle seals to form a handle, the handle located at an end of the chamber. The flexible container includes a tube member sealed to the flexible container. The tube member is in fluid communication with the chamber. The tube member comprises an ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is directed to a flexible container having a tubemember.

Flexible packaging is known to offer significant value andsustainability benefits to product manufacturers, retailers andconsumers as compared to solid, molded plastic packaging containers.Flexible packaging provides many consumer conveniences and benefits,including extended shelf life, easy storage, microwavability andrefillability. Flexible packaging has proven to require less energy forcreation and creates fewer emissions during disposal.

Flexible containers (and stand-up flexible containers in particular)with a handle at the top and/or bottom provide convenience not only interms of consumer transport (ease to carry) but also for contentevacuation (pour-ability). In view of the conveniences afforded byhandles, the art recognizes the on-going need for flexible containerswith improved content evacuation features.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a flexible container. In an embodiment,the flexible container includes a front panel, a rear panel, a firstgusset side panel, and a second gusset side panel. The gusset sidepanels adjoin the front panel and the rear panel along (i) peripheralseals to form a chamber, and (ii) handle seals to form a handle, thehandle located at an end of the chamber. The flexible container includesa tube member sealed to the flexible container. The tube member is influid communication with the chamber. The tube member comprises anethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer.

The present disclosure provides another flexible container. Inembodiment, a flexible container is provided and includes a front panel,a rear panel, a first gusset side panel, and a second gusset side panel.The gusset side panels adjoin the front panel and the rear panel along(i) peripheral seals to form a chamber; and (ii) handle seals to form ahandle. The handle is located at an end of the chamber. The handlecomprises a channel formed from the handle seals. The flexible containerincludes a tube member sealed to the flexible container. The tube memberis in fluid communication with the chamber and located in the channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a flexible container with a tubemember in a collapsed configuration in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a front elevation view of a flexible container with a tubemember in a collapsed configuration in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the flexible container of FIG. 1 in anexpanded configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the flexible container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the flexible container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a panel sandwich in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of Area 6 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the flexible container of FIG. 1A in anexpanded configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a flexible container with a tubemember, the flexible container in a collapsed configuration inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the flexible container of FIG. 8 in anexpanded configuration.

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of a flexible container with a tubemember in a collapsed configuration accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the flexible container of FIG. 9 in anexpanded configuration.

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of a flexible container with a tubemember, the flexible container in a collapsed configuration inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the flexible container of FIG. 10 inan expanded configuration.

DEFINITIONS

All references to the Periodic Table of the Elements herein shall referto the Periodic Table of the Elements, published and copyrighted by CRCPress, Inc., 2003. Also, any references to a Group or Groups shall be tothe Groups or Groups reflected in this Periodic Table of the Elementsusing the IUPAC system for numbering groups. Unless stated to thecontrary, implicit from the context, or customary in the art, all partsand percents are based on weight. For purposes of United States patentpractice, the contents of any patent, patent application, or publicationreferenced herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety(or the equivalent US version thereof is so incorporated by reference),especially with respect to the disclosure of synthetic techniques,definitions (to the extent not inconsistent with any definitionsprovided herein) and general knowledge in the art.

The numerical ranges disclosed herein include all values from, andincluding, the lower value and the upper value. For ranges containingexplicit values (e.g., 1 or 2, or 3 to 5, or 6, or 7) any subrangebetween any two explicit values is included (e.g., 1 to 2; 2 to 6; 5 to7; 3 to 7; 5 to 6; etc.).

Unless stated to the contrary, implicit from the context, or customaryin the art, all parts and percents are based on weight, and all testmethods are current as of the filing date of this disclosure.

The term “composition,” as used herein, refers to a mixture of materialswhich comprise the composition, as well as reaction products anddecomposition products formed from the materials of the composition.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and their derivatives,are not intended to exclude the presence of any additional component,step or procedure, whether or not the same is specifically disclosed. Inorder to avoid any doubt, all compositions claimed through use of theterm “comprising” may include any additional additive, adjuvant, orcompound, whether polymeric or otherwise, unless stated to the contrary.In contrast, the term, “consisting essentially of” excludes from thescope of any succeeding recitation any other component, step orprocedure, excepting those that are not essential to operability. Theterm “consisting of” excludes any component, step or procedure notspecifically delineated or listed.

Density is measured in accordance with ASTM D 792 with values reportedin grams per cubic centimeter (g/cc or g/cm³).

Elastic recovery is measured as follows. Stress-strain behavior inuniaxial tension is measured using an Instron™ universal testing machineat 300% min⁻¹ deformation rate at 21° C. The 300% elastic recovery isdetermined from a loading followed by unloading cycle to 300% strain,using ASTM D 1708 microtensile specimens. Percent recovery for allexperiments is calculated after the unloading cycle using the strain atwhich the load returned to the base line. The percent recovery isdefined as:

% Recovery=100* (Ef−Es)/Ef

where Ef is the strain taken for cyclic loading and Es is the strainwhere the load returns to the baseline after the unloading cycle.

An “ethylene-based polymer” is a polymer that contains more than 50weight percent polymerized ethylene monomer (based on the total weightof polymerizable monomers) and, optionally, may contain at least onecomonomer. Ethylene-based polymer includes ethylene homopolymer, andethylene copolymer (meaning units derived from ethylene and one or morecomonomers). The terms “ethylene-based polymer” and “polyethylene” maybe used interchangeably. Non-limiting examples of ethylene-based polymer(polyethylene) include low density polyethylene (LDPE) and linearpolyethylene. Non-limiting examples of linear polyethylene includelinear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), ultra low density polyethylene(ULDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), multi-componentethylene-based copolymer (EPE), ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymers(also known as olefin block copolymer (OBC)), single-site catalyzedlinear low density polyethylene (m-LLDPE), substantially linear, orlinear, plastomers/elastomers, and high density polyethylene (HDPE).Generally, polyethylene may be produced in gas-phase, fluidized bedreactors, liquid phase slurry process reactors, or liquid phase solutionprocess reactors, using a heterogeneous catalyst system, such asZiegler-Natta catalyst, a homogeneous catalyst system, comprising Group4 transition metals and ligand structures such as metallocene,non-metallocene metal-centered, heteroaryl, heterovalent aryloxyether,phosphinimine, and others. Combinations of heterogeneous and/orhomogeneous catalysts also may be used in either single reactor or dualreactor configurations.

“High density polyethylene” (or “HDPE”) is an ethylene homopolymer or anethylene/α-olefin copolymer with at least one C₄-C₁₀ α-olefin comonomer,or C₄ α-olefin comonomer and a density from greater than 0.94 g/cc, or0.945 g/cc, or 0.95 g/cc, or 0.955 g/cc to 0.96 g/cc, or 0.97 g/cc, or0.98 g/cc. The HDPE can be a monomodal copolymer or a multimodalcopolymer. A “monomodal ethylene copolymer” is an ethylene/C₄-C₁₀α-olefin copolymer that has one distinct peak in a gel permeationchromatography (GPC) showing the molecular weight distribution. A“multimodal ethylene copolymer” is an ethylene/C₄-C₁₀ α-olefin copolymerthat has at least two distinct peaks in a GPC showing the molecularweight distribution. Multimodal includes copolymer having two peaks(bimodal) as well as copolymer having more than two peaks. Nonlimitingexamples of HDPE include DOW™ High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins(available from The Dow Chemical Company), ELITE™ Enhanced PolyethyleneResins (available from The Dow Chemical Company), CONTINUUM™ BimodalPolyethylene Resins (available from The Dow Chemical Company), LUPOLEN™(available from LyondellBasell), as well as HDPE products from Borealis,Ineos, and ExxonMobil.

“Low density polyethylene” (or “LDPE”) consists of ethylene homopolymer,or ethylene/α-olefin copolymer comprising at least one C₃-C₁₀ α-olefin,preferably C₃-C₄that has a density from 0.915 g/cc to 0.940 g/cc andcontains long chain branching with broad MWD. LDPE is typically producedby way of high pressure free radical polymerization (tubular reactor orautoclave with free radical initiator). Nonlimiting examples of LDPEinclude MarFlex™ (Chevron Phillips), LUPOLEN™ (LyondellBasell), as wellas LDPE products from Borealis, Ineos, ExxonMobil, and others.

“Linear low density polyethylene” (or “LLDPE”) is a linearethylene/α-olefin copolymer containing heterogeneous short-chainbranching distribution comprising units derived from ethylene and unitsderived from at least one C₃-C₁₀ α-olefin comonomer or at least oneC₄-C₈ α-olefin comonomer, or at least one C₆-C₈ α-olefin comonomer.LLDPE is characterized by little, if any, long chain branching, incontrast to conventional LDPE. LLDPE has a density from 0.910 g/cc, or0.915 g/cc, or 0.920 g/cc, or 0.925 g/cc to 0.930 g/cc, or 0.935 g/cc,or 0.940 g/cc. Nonlimiting examples of LLDPE include TUFLIN™ linear lowdensity polyethylene resins (available from The Dow Chemical Company),DOWLEX™ polyethylene resins (available from the Dow Chemical Company),and MARLEX™ polyethylene (available from Chevron Phillips).

“Ultra low density polyethylene” (or “ULDPE”) and “very low densitypolyethylene” (or “VLDPE”) each is a linear ethylene/α-olefin copolymercontaining heterogeneous short-chain branching distribution comprisingunits derived from ethylene and units derived from at least one C₃-C₁₀α-olefin comonomer, or at least one C₄-C₈ α-olefin comonomer, or atleast one C₆-C₈ α-olefin comonomer. ULDPE and VLDPE each has a densityfrom 0.885 g/cc, or 0.90 g/cc to 0.915 g/cc. Nonlimiting examples ofULDPE and VLDPE include ATTANE™ ultra low density polyethylene resins(available form The Dow Chemical Company) and FLEXOMER™ very low densitypolyethylene resins (available from The Dow Chemical Company).

“Multi-component ethylene-based copolymer” (or “EPE”) comprises unitsderived from ethylene and units derived from at least one C₃-C₁₀α-olefin comonomer, or at least one C₄-C₈ α-olefin comonomer, or atleast one C₆-C₈ α-olefin comonomer, such as described in patentreferences U.S. Pat. No. 6,111,023; U.S. Pat. No. 5,677,383; and U.S.Pat. No. 6,984,695. EPE resins have a density from 0.905 g/cc, or 0.908g/cc, or 0.912 g/cc, or 0.920 g/cc to 0.926 g/cc, or 0.929 g/cc, or0.940 g/cc, or 0.962 g/cc. Nonlimiting examples of EPE resins includeELITE™ enhanced polyethylene (available from The Dow Chemical Company),ELITE AT™ advanced technology resins (available from The Dow ChemicalCompany), SURPASS™ Polyethylene (PE) Resins (available from NovaChemicals), and SMART™ (available from SK Chemicals Co.).

“Single-site catalyzed linear low density polyethylenes” (or “m-LLDPE”)are linear ethylene/α-olefin copolymers containing homogeneousshort-chain branching distribution comprising units derived fromethylene and units derived from at least one C₃-C₁₀ α-olefin comonomer,or at least one C₄-C₈ α-olefin comonomer, or at least one C₆-C₈ α-olefincomonomer. m-LLDPE has density from 0.913 g/cc, or 0.918 g/cc, or 0.920g/cc to 0.925 g/cc, or 0.940 g/cc. Nonlimiting examples of m-LLDPEinclude EXCEED™ metallocene PE (available from ExxonMobil Chemical),LUFLEXEN™ m-LLDPE (available from LyondellBasell), and ELTEX™ PF m-LLDPE(available from Ineos Olefins & Polymers).

“Ethylene plastomers/elastomers” are substantially linear, or linear,ethylene/α-olefin copolymers containing homogeneous short-chainbranching distribution comprising units derived from ethylene and unitsderived from at least one C₃-C₁₀ α-olefin comonomer, or at least oneC₄-C₈ α-olefin comonomer, or at least one C₆-C₈ α-olefin comonomer.Ethylene plastomers/elastomers have a density from 0.870 g/cc, or 0.880g/cc, or 0.890 g/cc to 0.900 g/cc, or 0.902 g/cc, or 0.904 g/cc, or0.909 g/cc, or 0.910 g/cc, or 0.917 g/cc. Nonlimiting examples ofethylene plastomers/elastomers include AFFINITY™ plastomers andelastomers (available from The Dow Chemical Company), EXACT™ Plastomers(available from ExxonMobil Chemical), Tafmer™ (available from Mitsui),Nexlene™ (available from SK Chemicals Co.), and Lucene™ (available LGChem Ltd.).

Melt flow rate (MFR) is measured in accordance with ASTM D 1238,Condition 280° C./2.16 kg (g/10 minutes).

Melt index (MI) is measured in accordance with ASTM D 1238, Condition190° C./2.16 kg (g/10 minutes).

Shore A hardness is measured in accordance with ASTM D 2240.

Tm or “melting point” as used herein (also referred to as a melting peakin reference to the shape of the plotted DSC curve) is typicallymeasured by the DSC (Differential Scanning calorimetry) technique formeasuring the melting points or peaks of polyolefins as described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,783,638. It should be noted that many blends comprisingtwo or more polyolefins will have more than one melting point or peak,many individual polyolefins will comprise only one melting point orpeak.

An “olefin-based polymer,” as used herein is a polymer that containsmore than 50 mole; percent polymerized olefin monomer (based on totalamount of polymerizable monomers), and optionally, may contain at leastone comonomer. Nonlimiting examples of olefin-based polymer includeethylene-based polymer and propylene-based polymer.

A “polymer” is a compound prepared by polymerizing monomers, whether ofthe same or a different type, that in polymerized form provide themultiple and/or repeating “units” or “mer units” that make up a polymer.The generic term polymer thus embraces the term homopolymer, usuallyemployed to refer to polymers prepared from only one type of monomer,and the term copolymer, usually employed to refer to polymers preparedfrom at least two types of monomers. It also embraces all forms ofcopolymer, e.g., random, block, etc. The terms “ethylene/α-olefinpolymer” and “propylene/α-olefin polymer” are indicative of copolymer asdescribed above prepared from polymerizing ethylene or propylenerespectively and one or more additional, polymerizable α-olefin monomer.It is noted that although a polymer is often referred to as being “madeof” one or more specified monomers, “based on” a specified monomer ormonomer type, “containing” a specified monomer content, or the like, inthis context the term “monomer” is understood to be referring to thepolymerized remnant of the specified monomer and not to theunpolymerized species. In general, polymers herein are referred to hasbeing based on “units” that are the polymerized form of a correspondingmonomer.

A “propylene-based polymer” is a polymer that contains more than 50 molepercent polymerized propylene monomer (based on the total amount ofpolymerizable monomers) and, optionally, may contain at least onecomonomer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides a flexible container. In an embodiment,the flexible container includes a front panel, a rear panel, a firstgusset side panel, and a second gusset side panel. The gusset sidepanels adjoin the front panel and the rear panel along (i) peripheralseals to form a chamber and (ii) handle seals to form a handle. Thehandle is located at an end of the chamber. A tube member is sealed tothe flexible container. The tube member is in fluid communication withthe chamber. The tube member is composed of an ethylene/α-olefinmulti-block copolymer.

1. Panels

The present disclosure provides a flexible container including a frontpanel, a rear panel, a first gusset side panel, and a second gusset sidepanel.

FIGS. 1-6 depict flexible container 10 made from four panels, a firstgusset panel 18, a second gusset panel 20, a front panel 22 and a rearpanel 24. Each panel 18, 20, 22, 24 is a flexible multilayer film asdiscussed in detail below. During the fabrication process, the panelsare formed when one or more webs of flexible multilayer film are sealedtogether. While the webs may be separate pieces of flexible multilayerfilm, it will be appreciated that any number of the seams between thewebs could be “pre-made,” as by folding one or more of the source websto create the effect of a seam or seams. For example, if it were desiredto fabricate the present flexible container from two webs instead offour, the bottom, left center, and right center webs could be a singlefolded web, instead of three separate webs.

The four panels 18, 20, 22 and 24 each can be composed of a separate webof flexible multilayer film. The composition and structure for each webof flexible multilayer film can be the same or different. Alternatively,one web of flexible multilayer film may also be used to make all fourpanels and the top and bottom segments. In a further embodiment, two ormore webs can be used to make each panel.

FIG. 5 shows the relative positions of the four webs as they form fourpanels (in a “one up” configuration) as they pass through thefabrication process. For clarity, the webs are shown as four individualpanels, the panels separated and the heat seals not made. Theconstituent webs form a first gusset panel 18, a second gusset panel 20,a front panel 22 and a rear panel 24. Each panel 18, 20, 22, 24 is aflexible multilayer film. The gusset fold lines 60 and 62 are shown inFIGS. 1 and 5.

As shown in FIG. 5, the folded gusset panels 18, 20 are placed betweenthe rear panel 24 and the front panel 22 to form a “panel sandwich.” Thegusset panel 18 opposes the gusset panel 20. The edges of the panels18-24 are configured, or otherwise arranged, to form a common periphery11, as shown in FIG. 1. The flexible multilayer film of each panel webis configured so that the heat seal layers, as discussed below, faceeach other. The common periphery 11 includes the bottom seal areaincluding the bottom end of each panel.

In an embodiment, the flexible container has a collapsed configuration(as shown in FIG. 1) and an expanded configuration (shown in FIGS. 2-4).

When the flexible container is in the collapsed configuration, theflexible container is in a flattened state, or in an otherwise evacuatedstate. The gusset panels 18, 20 fold inwardly (dotted gusset fold lines60, 62 of FIG. 1) and are sandwiched by the front panel 22 and the rearpanel 24.

FIG. 1 shows the flexible container 10 in the collapsed configuration.As shown in FIG. 1, the flexible container 10 has a bottom section I, abody section II, a tapered transition section III, and a neck sectionIV. In the expanded configuration, the bottom section I forms a bottomsegment 26, as shown in FIG. 4. The body section II forms a bodyportion. The tapered transition section III forms a tapered transitionportion. The neck section IV forms a neck portion.

FIGS. 2-4 show the flexible container 10 in the expanded configuration.The four panels 18, 20, 22, and 24 form the body section II and extendtoward a top end 44 (FIG. 3) and extend toward a bottom end 46 (FIG. 4)of the container 10. Sections III and IV (respective tapered transitionsection, neck section) form a top segment 28. Section I (bottom section)forms a bottom segment 26.

In an embodiment, four webs of flexible multilayer film are provided,one web of film for each respective panel 18, 20, 22, and 24. The edgesof each film are sealed to the adjacent web of film to form peripheralseals 41 and peripheral tapered seals 40 a-40 d (40) (FIGS. 1 and 4).The peripheral tapered seals 40 a-40 d are located on the bottom segment26 of the flexible container as shown in FIG. 4, and have an inner edge29 a-29 f. The peripheral seals 40 are located on the side edges of thecontainer, as shown in FIG. 2. Consequently, the flexible container 10includes a closed bottom section I, a closed body section II, and aclosed tapered transition section III. Nonlimiting examples of suitablesealing procedures include heat sealing and/or ultrasonic sealing. Theclosed bottom section I, closed body section II, and closed taperedtransition section III form a chamber 45. The chamber 45 has a top end45 a and a bottom end 45 b, as shown in FIG. 2.

To form the top segment 28 and the bottom segment 26, the four webs offlexible multilayer film converge together at the respective end and aresealed together. For instance, the top segment 28 can be defined byextensions of the panels sealed together at the tapered transitionsection III, and the neck section IV. The top end 44 includes four toppanels 28 a-28 d (FIG. 3) of film that define the top segment 28. Thebottom segment 26 can be defined by extensions of the panels sealedtogether at the bottom section I. The bottom segment 26 can also havefour bottom panels 26 a-26 d of film sealed together and can also bedefined by extensions of the panels at the opposite bottom end 46, asshown in FIG. 4.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the four panels of film that form the flexiblecontainer extend from the body section II (forming body 47), to thetapered transition section III (forming tapered transition portion 48),to form a neck 50 (in the neck section IV). The four panels of film alsoextend from the body section II to the bottom section I (forming bottomportion 49).

The neck 50 is positioned at a midpoint of the top segment 28, as shownin FIGS. 1-3. The neck is sized to have a width smaller than the widthof the body section II, such that the neck has an area that is less thana total area of the top segment 28.

2. Flexible Multilayer Film

Each panel 18, 20, 22, 24 is composed of a flexible multilayer film. Inan embodiment, each panel 18, 20, 22, 24 is made from a flexible filmhaving at least one, or at least two, or at least three layers. Theflexible film is resilient, flexible, deformable, and pliable. Thestructure and composition of the flexible film for each panel 18, 20,22, 24 may be the same or different. For example, each of the panels 18,20, 22, 24 can be made from a separate web, each web having a uniquestructure and/or unique composition, finish, or print. Alternatively,each of the panels 18, 20, 22, 24 can be the same structure and the samecomposition and/or made from the same web.

The flexible multilayer film is composed of a polymeric material.Nonlimiting examples of suitable polymeric material include olefin-basedpolymer; propylene-based polymer; ethylene-based polymer; polyamide(such as nylon), ethylene-acrylic acid or ethylene-methacrylic acid andtheir ionomers with zinc, sodium, lithium, potassium, or magnesiumsalts; ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers; and blends thereof. Theflexible multilayer film can be either printable or compatible toreceive a pressure sensitive label or other type of label for displayingof indicia on the flexible container 10.

In an embodiment, a flexible multilayer film is provided and includes atleast three layers: (i) an outermost layer, (ii) one or more corelayers, and (iii) an innermost seal layer. The outermost layer (i) andthe innermost seal layer (iii) are surface layers with the one or morecore layers (ii) sandwiched between the surface layers. The outermostlayer may include (a-i) a HDPE, (b-ii) a propylene-based polymer, orcombinations of (a-i) and (b-ii), alone, or with other olefin-basedpolymers such as LDPE. Nonlimiting examples of suitable propylene-basedpolymers include propylene homopolymer, random propylene/α-olefincopolymer (majority amount propylene with less than 10 weight percentethylene comonomer), and propylene impact copolymer (heterophasicpropylene/ethylene copolymer rubber phase dispersed in a matrix phase).

With the one or more core layers (ii), the number of total layers in thepresent multilayer film can be from three layers (one core layer), orfour layers (two core layers), or five layers (three core layers, or sixlayers (four core layers), or seven layers (five core layers) to eightlayers (six core layers), or nine layers (seven core layers), or tenlayers (eight core layers), or eleven layers (nine core layers), ormore.

The multilayer film has a thickness from 75 microns, or 100 microns, or125 microns, or 150 microns to 200 microns, or 250 microns or 300microns or 350 microns, or 400 microns.

The multilayer can be (i) coextuded, (ii) laminated, or (iii) acombination of (i) and (ii). In an embodiment, the multilayer film is acoextruded multilayer film.

In an embodiment, each panel 18, 20, 22, 24 is a flexible multilayerfilm having the same structure and the same composition.

Some methods used to construct films are by cast co-extrusion or blownco-extrusion methods, adhesive lamination, extrusion lamination, thermallamination, and coatings such as vapor deposition. Combinations of thesemethods are also possible. Film layers can comprise, in addition to thepolymeric materials, additives such as stabilizers, slip additives,antiblocking additives, process aids, clarifiers, nucleators, pigmentsor colorants, fillers and reinforcing agents, and the like as commonlyused in the packaging industry. It is particularly useful to chooseadditives and polymeric materials that have suitable organoleptic and oroptical properties.

In an embodiment, the outermost layer includes a HDPE. In a furtherembodiment, the HDPE is a substantially linear multi-componentethylene-based copolymer (EPE) such as ELITE™ resin provided by The DowChemical Company.

In an embodiment, each core layer includes one or more linear orsubstantially linear ethylene-based polymers or block copolymers havinga density from 0.908 g/cc, or 0.912 g/cc, or 0.92 g/cc, or 0.921 g/cc to0.925 g/cc, or less than 0.93 g/cc. In an embodiment, each of the one ormore core layers includes one or more ethylene/C₃-C₈ α-olefin copolymersselected from linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), ultralow densitypolyethyelen (ULDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), EPE, olefinblock copolymer (OBC), plastomers/elastomers, and single-site catalyzedlinear low density polyethylenes (m-LLDPE).

In an embodiment, the seal layer includes one or more ethylene-basedpolymer having a density from 0.86 g/cc, or 0.87 g/cc, or 0.875 g/cc, or0.88 g/cc, or 0.89 g/cc to 0.90 g/cc, or 0.902 g/cc, or 0.91 g/cc, or0.92 g/cc. In an embodiment, the seal layer includes one or moreethylene/C₃-C₈ α-olefin copolymer selected from EPE,plastomers/elastomers, or m-LLDPE.

In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded film, theseal layer is composed of an ethylene-based polymer, such as a linear ora substantially linear polymer, or a single-site catalyzed linear orsubstantially linear polymer of ethylene and an alpha-olefin monomersuch as 1-butene, 1-hexene or 1-octene, having a Tm from 55° C. to 115°C. and a density from 0.865 to 0.925 g/cm³, or from 0.875 to 0.910g/cm³, or from 0.888 to 0.900 g/cm³ and the outer layer is composed of apolyamide having a Tm from 170° C. to 270° C.

In an embodiment, each layer of the flexible multilayer film is composedof an ethylene-based polymer. In an further embodiment, each multilayerfilm includes a seal layer, a core layer, and an outer layer and each ofthe seal layer, the core layer, and the outer layer is composed of anethylene-based polymer.

In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded and/orlaminated five layer, or a coextruded (or laminated) seven layer filmhaving at least one layer containing OPET or OPP.

In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded (orlaminated) five layer, or a coextruded (or laminated) seven layer filmhaving at least one layer containing polyamide.

In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a seven-layercoextruded (or laminated) film with a seal layer composed of anethylene-based polymer, or a linear or substantially linear polymer, ora single-site catalyzed linear or substantially linear polymer ofethylene and an alpha-olefin monomer such as 1-butene, 1-hexene or1-octene, having a Tm from 90° C. to 106° C. The outer layer is apolyamide having a Tm from 170° C. to 270° C. The film has an innerlayer (first inner layer) composed of a second ethylene-based polymer,different than the ethylene-based polymer in the seal layer. The filmhas an inner layer (second inner layer) composed of a polyamide the sameor different to the polyamide in the outer layer. The seven layer filmhas a thickness from 100 micrometers to 250 micrometers.

3. Tube Member

In an embodiment, flexible container 10 includes a tube member 30 sealedto the neck 50 as shown in FIGS. 1-3. A “tube member” is an elongated,hollow and flexible cylinder for transporting a flowable material. Atthe neck 50, a top end segment 28 a of the front panel 22 and a top endsegment 28 c of the rear panel 24 each is sealed, or otherwise welded,to the tube member 30 along upper tapered seal 41 a to form a tight,hermetic seal, as shown in FIG. 2. The tube member 30 is sealed to theflexible container by way of compression heat seal, ultrasonic seal, andcombinations thereof. Thus, the tube member 30 is sealed to front/rearpanels 22, 24 to form a hermetic seal, and the tube member 30 is notsealed to first/second gusset panels 18, 20.

In an embodiment, FIG. 3 shows the tube member 30 has

(i) a wall thickness, t, that is from 0.2 mm, or 0.5 mm, or 0.6 mm, or0.8 mm to 1.0 mm, or 1.5 mm, or 2.0 mm, or 2.5 mm, or 3.0 mm; and/or

(ii) an outer diameter from 0.5 mm, or 1.0 mm, or 1.5 mm, or 2.0 mm, or2.5 mm, or 3.0 mm, or 3.5 mm, or 4.0 mm, or 4.5 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 6 mm,or 7 mm, or 8 mm, or 9 mm, or 10 mm, or 20 mm, or 25 mm to 30 mm, or 40,mm, or 50 mm.

The tube member can have any length required for a desired applicationin order to deliver product 58 as needed. For example, the tube member30 can be made to extend from the neck 50 and the top end of the chamber45 a to the bottom end of the chamber 45 b. A nonlimiting example of anapplication for this tube member is a backpack spray container requiringa long tube member extending from bottom of the backpack reservoir tothe spray head.

The tube member 30 is composed of an ethylene/α-olefin multi-blockcopolymer. The tube member 30 can be composed solely of theethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer or can be a blend ofethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer and one or more other polymericmaterials. Bounded by no particular theory, Applicant discovered thatthe ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer in the tube member providesthe tube member with the ability to caulk the seal with the multilayerfilms and form a winglet.

Nonlimiting examples of suitable materials for blending with theethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer include low density polyethylene(LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), high densitypolyethylene (HDPE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene methylacrylate (EMA), ethylene acrylic acid copolymer (EAA), propylenehomopolymer, propylene copolymer, propylene impact copolymer.

In an embodiment, the tube member 30 is only composed of, or isotherwise formed solely from, the ethylene/α-olefin multi-blockcopolymer.

The tube member is formed from (wholly or partially) ethylene/α-olefinmulti-block copolymer. The term “ethylene/α-olefin multi-blockcopolymer” includes ethylene and one or more copolymerizable α-olefincomonomer in polymerized form, characterized by multiple blocks orsegments of two or more polymerized monomer units differing in chemicalor physical properties. The term “ethylene/α-olefin multi-blockcopolymer” includes block copolymer with two blocks (di-block) and morethan two blocks (multi-block). The terms “interpolymer” and “copolymer”are used interchangeably herein. When referring to amounts of “ethylene”or “comonomer” in the copolymer, it is understood that this meanspolymerized units thereof.

In some embodiments, the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer can berepresented by the following formula:

(AB)_(n)

where n is at least 1, preferably an integer greater than 1, such as 2,3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, or higher, “A”represents a hard block or segment and “B” represents a soft block orsegment. Preferably, As and Bs are linked, or covalently bonded, in asubstantially linear fashion, or in a linear manner, as opposed to asubstantially branched or substantially star-shaped fashion. In otherembodiments, A blocks and B blocks are randomly distributed along thepolymer chain. In other words, the block copolymers usually do not havea structure as follows:

AAA-AA-BBB-BB

In still other embodiments, the block copolymers do not usually have athird type of block, which comprises different comonomer(s). In yetother embodiments, each of block A and block B has monomers orcomonomers substantially randomly distributed within the block. In otherwords, neither block A nor block B comprises two or more sub-segments(or sub-blocks) of distinct composition, such as a tip segment, whichhas a substantially different composition than the rest of the block.

Preferably, ethylene comprises the majority mole fraction (or a majorityweight fraction) of the whole block copolymer, i.e., ethylene comprisesat least 50 mole percent (or at least 50 weight percent) of the wholepolymer. More preferably ethylene comprises at least 60 mole percent, atleast 70 mole percent, or at least 80 mole percent, with the substantialremainder of the whole polymer comprising at least one other comonomerthat is preferably an α-olefin having 3 or more carbon atoms. In someembodiments, the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer may comprise 50mol % to 90 mol % ethylene, or 60 mol % to 85 mol %, or 65 mol % to 80mol %. For many ethylene/octene multi-block copolymers, the compositioncomprises an ethylene content greater than 80 mole percent of the wholepolymer and an octene content of from 10 to 15, or from 15 to 20 molepercent of the whole polymer.

The ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer includes various amounts of“hard” segments and “soft” segments. “Hard” segments are blocks ofpolymerized units in which ethylene is present in an amount greater than90 weight percent, or 95 weight percent, or greater than 95 weightpercent, or greater than 98 weight percent based on the weight of thepolymer, up to 100 weight percent. In other words, the comonomer content(content of monomers other than ethylene) in the hard segments is lessthan 10 weight percent, or 5 weight percent, or less than 5 weightpercent, or less than 2 weight percent based on the weight of thepolymer, and can be as low as zero. In some embodiments, the hardsegments include all, or substantially all, units derived from ethylene.“Soft” segments are blocks of polymerized units in which the comonomercontent (content of monomers other than ethylene) is greater than 5weight percent, or greater than 8 weight percent, greater than 10 weightpercent, or greater than 15 weight percent based on the weight of thepolymer. In some embodiments, the comonomer content in the soft segmentscan be greater than 20 weight percent, greater than 25 weight percent,greater than 30 weight percent, greater than 35 weight percent, greaterthan 40 weight percent, greater than 45 weight percent, greater than 50weight percent, or greater than 60 weight percent and can be up to 100weight percent.

The soft segments can be present in an ethylene/α-olefin multi-blockcopolymer from 1 weight percent to 99 weight percent of the total weightof the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer, or from 5 weight percentto 95 weight percent, from 10 weight percent to 90 weight percent, from15 weight percent to 85 weight percent, from 20 weight percent to 80weight percent, from 25 weight percent to 75 weight percent, from 30weight percent to 70 weight percent, from 35 weight percent to 65 weightpercent, from 40 weight percent to 60 weight percent, or from 45 weightpercent to 55 weight percent of the total weight of theethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer. Conversely, the hard segmentscan be present in similar ranges. The soft segment weight percentage andthe hard segment weight percentage can be calculated based on dataobtained from DSC or NMR. Such methods and calculations are disclosedin, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,608,668, entitled “Ethylene/a-OlefinBlock Inter-polymers,” filed on Mar. 15, 2006, in the name of Colin L.P. Shan, Lonnie Hazlitt, et al. and assigned to Dow Global TechnologiesInc., the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety. In particular, hard segment and soft segment weightpercentages and comonomer content may be determined as described inColumn 57 to Column 63 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,608,668.

The ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer is a polymer comprising twoor more chemically distinct regions or segments (referred to as“blocks”) preferably joined (or covalently bonded) in a linear manner,that is, a polymer comprising chemically differentiated units which arejoined end-to-end with respect to polymerized ethylenic functionality,rather than in pendent or grafted fashion. In an embodiment, the blocksdiffer in the amount or type of incorporated comonomer, density, amountof crystallinity, crystallite size attributable to a polymer of suchcomposition, type or degree of tacticity (isotactic or syndiotactic),regio-regularity or regio-irregularity, amount of branching (includinglong chain branching or hyper-branching), homogeneity or any otherchemical or physical property. Compared to block interpolymers of theprior art, including interpolymers produced by sequential monomeraddition, fluxional catalysts, or anionic polymerization techniques, thepresent ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer is characterized byunique distributions of both polymer polydispersity (PDI or Mw/Mn orMWD), polydisperse block length distribution, and/or polydisperse blocknumber distribution, due, in an embodiment, to the effect of theshuttling agent(s) in combination with multiple catalysts used in theirpreparation.

In an embodiment, the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer isproduced in a continuous process and possesses a polydispersity index(Mw/Mn) from 1.7 to 3.5, or from 1.8 to 3, or from 1.8 to 2.5, or from1.8 to 2.2. When produced in a batch or semi-batch process, theethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer possesses Mw/Mn from 1.0 to 3.5,or from 1.3 to 3, or from 1.4 to 2.5, or from 1.4 to 2.

In addition, the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer possesses a PDI(or Mw/Mn) fitting a Schultz-Flory distribution rather than a Poissondistribution. The present ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer hasboth a polydisperse block distribution as well as a polydispersedistribution of block sizes. This results in the formation of polymerproducts having improved and distinguishable physical properties. Thetheoretical benefits of a polydisperse block distribution have beenpreviously modeled and discussed in Potemkin, Physical Review E (1998)57 (6), pp. 6902-6912, and Dobrynin, J. Chem. Phys. (1997) 107 (21), pp9234-9238.

In an embodiment, the present ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymerpossesses a most probable distribution of block lengths.

In a further embodiment, the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer ofthe present disclosure, especially those made in a continuous, solutionpolymerization reactor, possess a most probable distribution of blocklengths. In one embodiment of this disclosure, the ethylene multi-blockinterpolymers are defined as having:

(A) Mw/Mn from about 1.7 to about 3.5, at least one melting point, Tm,in degrees Celsius, and a density, d, in grams/cubic centimeter, wherein the numerical values of Tm and d correspond to the relationship:

Tm>−2002.9+4538.5(d)−2422.2(d)², or

(B) Mw/Mn from about 1.7 to about 3.5, and is characterized by a heat offusion, ΔH in J/g, and a delta quantity, ΔT, in degrees Celsius definedas the temperature difference between the tallest DSC peak and thetallest Crystallization Analysis Fractionation (“CRYSTAF”) peak, whereinthe numerical values of ΔT and ΔH have the following relationships:

ΔT>−0.1299 ΔH+62.81 for ΔH greater than zero and up to 130 J/g

ΔT≧48° C. for ΔH greater than 130 J/g

wherein the CRYSTAF peak is determined using at least 5 percent of thecumulative polymer, and if less than 5 percent of the polymer has anidentifiable CRYSTAF peak, then the CRYSTAF temperature is 30° C.; or

(C) elastic recovery, Re, in percent at 300 percent strain and 1 cyclemeasured with a compression-molded film of the ethylene/α-olefininterpolymer, and has a density, d, in grams/cubic centimeter, whereinthe numerical values of Re and d satisfy the following relationship whenethylene/α-olefin interpolymer is substantially free of crosslinkedphase:

Re>1481−1629(d); or

(D) has a molecular weight fraction which elutes between 40° C. and 130°C. when fractionated using TREF, characterized in that the fraction hasa molar comonomer content of at least 5 percent higher than that of acomparable random ethylene interpolymer fraction eluting between thesame temperatures, wherein said comparable random ethylene interpolymerhas the same comonomer(s) and has a melt index, density and molarcomonomer content (based on the whole polymer) within 10 percent of thatof the ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer; or

(E) has a storage modulus at 25° C., G′(25° C.), and a storage modulusat 100° C., G′(100° C.), wherein the ratio of G′(25° C.) to G′(100° C.)is in the range of about 1:1 to about 9:1.

The ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer may also have:

(F) molecular fraction which elutes between 40° C. and 130° C. whenfractionated using TREF, characterized in that the fraction has a blockindex of at least 0.5 and up to about 1 and a molecular weightdistribution, Mw/Mn, greater than about 1.3; or

(G) average block index greater than zero and up to about 1.0 and amolecular weight distribution, Mw/Mn greater than about 1.3.

Suitable monomers for use in preparing the present ethylene/α-olefinmulti-block copolymer include ethylene and one or more additionpolymerizable monomers other than ethylene. Examples of suitablecomonomers include straight-chain or branched α-olefins of 3 to 30carbon atoms, or 4 to 20 carbon atoms, or 4 to 10 carbon atoms, or 4 to8 carbon atoms, such as propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene,3-methyl-1-butene, 1-hexene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 3-methyl-1-pentene,1-octene, 1-decene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene,1-octadecene and 1-eicosene; cyclo-olefins of 3 to 30, or 4 to 20,carbon atoms, such as cyclopentene, cycloheptene, norbornene,5-methyl-2-norbornene, tetracyclododecene, and2-methyl-1,4,5,8-dimethano-1,2,3,4,4a,5,8,8a-octahydronaphthalene;di-and polyolefins, such as butadiene, isoprene,4-methyl-1,3-pentadiene, 1,3-pentadiene, 1,4-pentadiene, 1,5-hexadiene,1,4-hexadiene, 1,3-hexadiene, 1,3-octadiene, 1,4-octadiene,1,5-octadiene, 1,6-octadiene, 1,7-octadiene, ethylidenenorbornene, vinylnorbornene, dicyclopentadiene, 7-methyl-1,6-octadiene,4-ethylidene-8-methyl-1,7-nonadiene, and 5,9-dimethyl-1,4,8-decatriene;and 3-phenylpropene, 4-phenylpropene, 1,2-difluoroethylene,tetrafluoroethylene, and 3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene.

In an embodiment, the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer is void ofstyrene (i.e., is styrene-free).

The ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer can be produced via a chainshuttling process such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,858,706, which isherein incorporated by reference. In particular, suitable chainshuttling agents and related information are listed in Col. 16, line 39through Col. 19, line 44. Suitable catalysts are described in Col. 19,line 45 through Col. 46, line 19 and suitable co-catalysts in Col. 46,line 20 through Col. 51 line 28. The process is described throughout thedocument, but particularly in Col. Col 51, line 29 through Col. 54, line56. The process is also described, for example, in the following: U.S.Pat. No. 7,608,668; U.S. Pat. No. 7,893,166; and U.S. Pat. No.7,947,793.

In an embodiment, the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer has hardsegments and soft segments, is styrene-free, consists of only (i)ethylene and (ii) a C₄-C₈ α-olefin comonomer, and is defined as having:

a Mw/Mn from 1.7 to 3.5, at least one melting point, Tm, in degreesCelsius, and a density, d, in grams/cubic centimeter, where in thenumerical values of Tm and d correspond to the relationship:

Tm<−2002.9+4538.5(d)−2422.2(d)²,

-   -   where d is from 0.86 g/cc, or 0.87 g/cc, or 0.88 g/cc to 0.89        g/cc; and    -   Tm is from 80° C., or 85° C., or 90° C. to 95, or 99° C., or        100° C., or 105° C. to 110° C., or 115° C., or 120° C., or 125°        C.

In an embodiment, the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer is anethylene/octene multi-block copolymer and has one, some, any combinationof, or all the properties (i)-(ix) below:

(i) a melt temperature (Tm) from 80° C., or 85° C., or 90° C. to 95, or99° C., or 100° C., or 105° C. to 110° C., or 115° C., or 120° C., or125° C.;

(ii) a density from 0.86 g/cc, or 0.87 g/cc, or 0.88 g/cc to 0.89 g/cc;

(iii) 50-85 wt % soft segment and 40-15 wt % hard segment;

(iv) from 10 mol %, or 13 mol %, or 14 mol %, or 15 mol % to16 mol %, or17 mol %, or 18 mol %, or 19 mol %, or 20 mol % octene in the softsegment;

(v) from 0.5 mol %, or 1.0 mol %, or 2.0 mol %, or 3.0 mol % to 4.0 mol%, or 5 mol %, or 6 mol %, or 7 mol %, or 9 mol % octene in the hardsegment;

(vi) a melt index (MI) from 1 g/10 min, or 2 g/10 min, or 5 g/10 min, or7 g/10 min to 10 g/10 min, or 15 g/10 min to 20 g/10 min;

(vii) a Shore A hardness from 65, or 70, or 71, or 72 to 73, or 74, or75, or 77, or 79, or 80;

(viii) an elastic recovery (Re) from 50%, or 60% to 70%, or 80%, or 90%,at 300% min⁻¹ deformation rate at 21° C. as measured in accordance withASTM D 1708; and

(ix) a polydisperse distribution of blocks and a polydispersedistribution of block sizes.

In an embodiment, the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer consistsof (i) ethylene monomer and (ii) C₄-C₈ α-olefin comonomer. In a furtherembodiment, the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer is anethylene/octene multi-block copolymer.

In an embodiment, the ethylene/octene multi-block copolymer is soldunder the Tradename INFUSE™ available from The Dow Chemical Company,Midland, Mich., USA. In a further embodiment, the ethylene/octenemulti-block copolymer is INFUSE™ 9817.

In an embodiment, the ethylene/octene multi-block copolymer is INFUSE™9500.

In an embodiment, the ethylene/octene multi-block copolymer is INFUSE™9507.

The present ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer may comprise two ormore embodiments disclosed herein.

In an embodiment, the tube member 30 is composed of a polymeric blend ofthe ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer and high densitypolyethylene (HDPE). The polymeric blend of ethylene/α-olefinmulti-block copolymer and HDPE includes from 60 wt %, or 65 wt %, or 70wt %, or 75 wt % to 80 wt %, or 5 wt %, or 90 wt % of theethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer and a reciprocal amount of HDPEor from 40 wt %, or 35 wt %, or 30 wt %, or 25 wt % to 20 wt %, or 15 wt%, or 10 wt % HDPE. In a further embodiment, the tube member 30 iscomposed only of the polymeric blend of ethylene/α-olefin multi-blockcopolymer and the HDPE, each blend component present in the weightpercent ranges disclosed previously in this paragraph.

The heat and stress imparted onto a tube member during heat sealinglimits the materials that can be used to make the tube member. A tubemember composed of low elasticity polyolefin (e.g., LDPE, HDPE) crushes,cracks, breaks, and is unusable. A tube member composed of a polyolefinelastomer (e.g., ENGAGE or VERSIFY elastomers) can exhibit deformation,yet does not recover adequately or welds shut. A tube member composed ofa crosslinked elastomer (e.g., thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) may fullyrecover but does not seal adequately and does not form a hermetic seal.Applicant surprisingly discovered that a tube member composed of thepresent ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer recovers (recoils), willnot seal to itself, and will seal the tube member to the film of thecontainer using bar sealing.

In an embodiment, the tube member 30 excludes fitments with oval,wing-shaped, eye-shaped, or canoe-shaped bases.

In an embodiment, the tube member 30 contains a removable closure 32.The removable closure 32 covers the distal end and prevents the product58 from spilling out of the container 10. The removable closure 32 maybe a screw-on cap, a flip-top cap, a friction fit plug, or other typesof removable (and optionally reclosable) closures.

In an embodiment, a flexible container 10 a is provided as shown inFIGS. 1A and 7. The flexible container 10 a is the same as, orsubstantially the same as, the flexible container 10. The differencebetween flexible container 10 and flexible container 10 a is thelocation of the tube member 30. For flexible container 10, the tubemember 30 is sealed in the neck section II, whereas for flexiblecontainer 10 a, the tube member 30 is sealed in the transition sectionIII with the neck 50 of flexible container 10 a permanently sealed.

FIGS. 1A and 7 show flexible container 10 a with the tube member 30sealed in the transition section III. The tube member 30 is sealedbetween the second gusset panel 20 and the front panel 22 along theupper tapered seal 41 a in the transition section III, to form ahermetic seal. The neck 50 is permanently sealed closed.

In an embodiment, the flexible container 10 a can be fabricated toinclude panel material sealed around the tube 30, for protection of thetube member 30. An access member provides access to the tube member 30and the closure 32. An “access member” is a structure that enablesopening of a seal. The term “actuate,” “actuated,” and like terms is theact of manipulating the access member to open and/or expose a sealedcomponent. Actuation includes such nonlimiting acts as pulling, tearing,peeling, separating, folding (and any combination thereof), the accessmember. Nonlimiting examples of suitable access members include a tearnotch, a tear slit, a perforation, a line of weakness, a cut line, andcombinations thereof.

An access member, such as tear seal 53 (shown in FIG. 1A), whenactuated, provides access to the tube member 30 and closure 32 (closure32 being optional).

Each panel includes a respective bottom face. FIG. 4 shows fourtriangle-shaped bottom faces 26 a-26 d, each bottom face being anextension of a respective film panel. The bottom faces 26 a-26 d make upthe bottom segment 26. The four panels 26 a-26 d come together at amidpoint of the bottom segment 26. The bottom faces 26 a-26 d are sealedtogether, such as by using a heat-sealing technology. For instance, aweld can be made to seal the edges of the bottom segment 26 together.Nonlimiting examples of suitable heat-sealing technologies include hotbar sealing, hot die sealing, impulse sealing, high frequency sealing,or ultrasonic sealing methods.

FIG. 4 shows bottom segment 26. Each panel 18, 20, 22, 24 has arespective bottom face 26 a-26 d that is present in the bottom segment26. Each bottom face is bordered by two opposing peripheral taperedseals 40 a-40 d. Each peripheral tapered seal 40 a-40 d extends from arespective peripheral seal 41. The peripheral tapered seals for thefront panel 22 and the rear panel 24 have an inner edge 29 a-29 d (FIG.4) and an outer edge 31 (FIG. 6). The peripheral tapered seals 40 a-40 dconverge at a bottom seal area 33 (FIGS. 1, 4, 6).

The front panel bottom face 26 a includes a first line A defined by theinner edge 29 a of the first peripheral tapered seal 40 a and a secondline B defined by the inner edge 29 b of the second peripheral taperedseal 40 b, as shown in FIG. 4. The first line A intersects the secondline B at an apex point 35 a in the bottom seal area 33. The front panelbottom face 26 a has a bottom distalmost inner seal point 37 a (“BDISP37 a”). The BDISP 37 a is located on the inner edge.

The apex point 35 a is separated from the BDISP 37 a by a distance S(FIGS. 4, 6) from 0 millimeter (mm) to less than 8.0 mm.

In an embodiment, the rear panel bottom face 26 c includes an apex point35 c similar to the apex point 35 a on the front panel bottom face 26 a,as shown in FIG. 4. The rear panel bottom face 26 c includes a firstline C defined by the inner edge of the 29 c first peripheral taperedseal 40 c and a second line D defined by the inner edge 29 d of thesecond peripheral tapered seal 40 d. The first line C intersects thesecond line D at an apex point 35 c in the bottom seal area 33. The rearpanel bottom face 26 c has a bottom distalmost inner seal point 37 c(“BDISP 37 c”). The BDISP 37 c is located on the inner edge. The apexpoint 35 c is separated from the BDISP 37 c by a distance T (FIG. 4)from 0 millimeter (mm) to less than 8.0 mm.

It is understood the following description to the front panel bottomface 26 a applies equally to the rear panel bottom face 26 c, withreference numerals to the rear panel bottom face 26 c shown in adjacentclosed parentheses.

In an embodiment, the BDISP 37 a (37 c) is located where the inner edges29 a (29 c) and 29 b (29 d) intersect. The distance S (distance T)between the BDISP 37 a (37 c) and the apex point 35 a (35 c) is 0 mm.

In an embodiment, the inner seal edge diverges from the inner edges 29a, 29 b (29 c, 29 d), to form an inner seal arc 39 a (front panel) andinner seal arc 39 c (rear panel), as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. The BDISP37 a (37 c) is located on the inner seal arc 39 a (39 c). The apex point35 a (35 c) is separated from the BDISP 37 a (37 c) by the distance S(distance T), which is from greater than 0 mm, or 0.5 mm, or 1.0 mm, or2.0 mm, or 2.6 mm, or 3.0 mm, or 3.5 mm, or 3.9 mm to 4.0 mm, or 4.5 mm,or 5.0 mm, or 5.2 mm, or 5.3 mm, or 5.5 mm, or 6.0 mm, or 6.5 mm, or 7.0mm, or 7.5 mm, or 7.9 mm.

In an embodiment, apex point 35 a (35 c) is separated from the BDISP 37a (37 c) by the distance S (distance T) which is from greater than 0 mmto less than 6.0 mm.

In an embodiment, the distance S (distance T) from the apex point 35 a(35 c) to the BDISP 37 a (37 c) is from greater than 0 mm, or 0.5 mm, or1.0 mm, or 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm or 5.0 mm or less than 5.5 mm.

In an embodiment, apex point 35 a (35 c) is separated from the BDISP 37a (37 c) by the distance S (distance T), which is from 3.0 mm, or 3.5mm, or 3.9 mm to 4.0 mm, or 4.5 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 5.2 mm, or 5.3 mm, or5.5 mm.

In an embodiment, the distal inner seal arc 39 a (39 c) has a radius ofcurvature from 0 mm, or greater than 0 mm, or 1.0 mm to 19.0 mm, or 20.0mm.

In an embodiment, each peripheral tapered seal 40 a-40 d (outside edge)and an extended line from respective peripheral seal 41 (outside edge)form an angle Z, as shown in FIG. 1. The angle Z is from 40°, or 42°, or44°, or 45° to 46°, or 48°, or 50°. In an embodiment, angle Z is 45°.

The bottom segment 26 includes a pair of gussets 54 and 56 formedthereat, which are essentially extensions of the bottom faces 26 a-26 d,as shown in FIG. 4. The gussets 54 and 56 can facilitate the ability ofthe flexible container 10 to stand upright. These gussets 54 and 56 areformed from excess material from each bottom face 26 a-26 d that arejoined together to form the gussets 54 and 56. The triangular portionsof the gussets 54 and 56 comprise two adjacent bottom segment panelssealed together and extending into its respective gusset. For example,adjacent bottom faces 26 a and 26 d extend beyond the plane of theirbottom surface along an intersecting edge and are sealed together toform one side of a first gusset 54. Similarly, adjacent bottom faces 26c and 26 d extend beyond the plane of their bottom surface along anintersecting edge and are sealed together to form the other side of thefirst gusset 54. Likewise, a second gusset 56 is similarly formed fromadjacent bottom faces 26 a-26 b and 26 b-26 c. The gussets 54 and 56 cancontact a portion of the bottom segment 26, where the gussets 54 and 56can contact bottom faces 26 b and 26 d covering them, while bottomsegment panels 26 a and 26 c remain exposed at the bottom end 46.

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of the bottom seal area 33 (Area 6) ofFIG. 1 and the front panel 26 a. The fold lines 60 and 62 of respectivegusset panels 18, 20 are separated by a distance U that is from 0 mm, orgreater than 0 mm, or 0.5 mm, or 1.0 mm, or 2.0 mm, or 3.0 mm, or 4.0mm, or 5.0 mm to 12.0 mm, or greater than 60.0 mm (for largercontainers, for example). In an embodiment, distance U is from greaterthan 0 mm to less than6.0 mm. FIG. 6 shows line A (defined by inner edge29 a) intersecting line B (defined by inner edge 29 b) at apex point 35a. BDISP 37 a is on the distal inner seal arc 39 a. Apex point 35 a isseparated from BDISP 37 a by a distance S having a length from greaterthan 0 mm, or 1.0 mm, or 2.0 mm, or 2.6 mm, or 3.0 mm, or 3.5 mm, or 3.9mm to 4.0 mm, or 4.5 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 5.2 mm, or 5.5 mm, or 6.0 mm, or6.5 mm, or 7.0 mm, or 7.5 mm, or 7.9 mm.

The tube member 30 may or may not have a diameter that is greater thanthe distance U. With respect to the flexible container 10 shown in FIGS.1, 2, and 3, when the tube member 30 has a diameter that is greater thanthe distance U, the tube member 30 is hermetically sealed to panels 18,20, 22, and 24 at the neck 50.

In FIG. 6, an overseal 64 is formed where the four peripheral taperedseals 40 a-40 d converge in the bottom seal area 33. The overseal 64includes 4-ply portions 66, where a portion of each panel is heat sealedto a portion of every other panel. Each panel represents 1-ply in the4-ply heat seal. The overseal 64 also includes a 2-ply portion 68 wheretwo panels (front panel 22 and rear panel 24) are sealed together.Consequently, the “overseal,” as used herein, is the area where theperipheral tapered seals 40 a-40 d converge that is subjected to asubsequent heat seal operation (and subjected to at least two heat sealoperations altogether). The overseal 64 is located in the peripheraltapered seals 40 a-40 d and does not extend into the chamber of theflexible container 10.

In an embodiment, the apex point 35 a is located above the overseal 64.The apex point 35 a is separated from, and does not contact the overseal64. The BDISP 37 a is located above the overseal 64. The BDISP 37 a isseparated from and does not contact the overseal 64.

In an embodiment, the apex point 35 a is located between the BDISP 37 aand the overseal 64, wherein the overseal 64 does not contact the apexpoint 35 a and the overseal 64 does not contact the BDISP 37 a.

The distance between the apex point 35 a to the top edge of the overseal64 is defined as distance W, shown in FIG. 6. In an embodiment, thedistance W has a length from 0 mm, or greater than 0 mm, or 2.0 mm, or4.0 mm to 6.0 mm, or 8.0 mm, or 10.0 mm or 15.0 mm.

In an embodiment, the flexible container 10 has a volume from 0.25liters (L), or 0.5 L, or 0.75 L, or 1.0 L, or 1.5 L, or 2.5 L, or 3 L,or 3.5 L, or 3.78 L or 4.0 L, or 4.5 L or 5.0 L to 6.0 L, or 7.0 L, or8.0 L, or 9.0 L or 10.0 L, or 20 L, or 30 L.

4. Handle

The present flexible container includes a handle. In an embodiment, thegusset side panels adjoin the front panel and the rear panel alonghandle seals to form a handle. The handle is located at an end of thechamber. The handle includes a channel formed from the handle seals. Inother words, the channel is formed within the handle seals and islocated between the handle seals.

A “handle” is a portion of one or more of the panels conformed to allowa user to grip the flexible container. The handle may be a top handle ora bottom handle. As used herein, a “top handle” is located at the topend of the chamber (adjacent the neck section IV), and a “bottom handle”is located at the bottom end of the chamber (adjacent the bottom sectionI).

The handle is formed from a handle seal. The “handle seal” includesportions of the panels formed from multilayer film extending aboveand/or below the chamber of the flexible container that are sealedtogether. FIGS. 1 and 2 show that the bottom handle 14 and the tophandle 12 can comprise up to four plies (corresponding to the fourpanels) of multilayer film sealed together with a handle seal 80 for afour panel container 10. Any portion of the handles 12, 14 where allfour plies are not completely sealed together by the heat-sealingmethod, can be adhered together in any appropriate manner, such as by atack seal to form a fully-sealed multilayer handle. Alternatively, thehandle 12, 14 can be made from as few as two plies of multilayer filmfrom two panels. The handles 12, 14 can have any suitable shape andgenerally will take the shape of the multilayer film end. For example,typically the web of multilayer film has a rectangular shape whenunwound, such that its ends have a straight edge. Therefore, the handles12, 14 would also have a rectangular shape. Although FIGS. 1-3 and 7-10Ashow handles 12, 14 shaped for hand-carry, it is understood that handles12, 14 can be shaped for hanging support. Handles 12, 14 may be shapedand sized to receive a hook, or similar structure, for hanging theflexible container from a support structure.

Although FIGS. 1 and 2 show the flexible container 10 with a top handle12 and a bottom handle 14, it is understood the flexible container maybe fabricated with only one handle, or no handle.

A. Top Handle

In an embodiment, the flexible container includes a top handle locatedat the top end of the chamber, as shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 7, the top handle 12 extends from the topsegment 28 and, in particular, extends from the four panels 28 a-28 dthat make up the top segment 28. The four panels 28 a-28 d of film thatextend into the top handle 12 are all sealed together with a handle seal80 to form the top handle 12. For instance, a weld can be made to formthe handle seal 80 and the top handle 12, and to seal the edges of thefour panels 28 a-28 d of film together. Nonlimiting examples of suitableheat-sealing technologies include hot bar sealing, hot die sealing,impulse sealing, high frequency sealing, or ultrasonic sealing methods.The top handle 12 is located at the top end of the chamber 45, as shownin FIG. 2.

The top handle 12 can have a U-shape and, in particular, an upside downU-shape with a horizontal carry member 12 a and two pairs of spaced legs13 and 15 extending therefrom. The pair of legs 13 and 15 extend fromthe top segment 28, adjacent to the neck.

Carry member 12 a extends above the neck and above the top segment 28when the top handle 12 is extended in a position perpendicular to thetop segment 28. The entire carry member 12 a can be moved above the neck50. The two pairs of legs 13 and 15 along with the carry member 12 atogether make up the top handle 12 surrounding a top handle opening 21that allows a user to place her hand therethrough and grasp the carrymember 12 a. The top handle 12 may or may not contain a top handleopening 21 or cutout section therein sized to fit a user's hand, as seenin FIG. 1. The top handle opening 21 can be any shape that is convenientto fit the hand and, in one aspect, the top handle opening 21 can have agenerally oval shape. In another embodiment, the top handle opening 21can have a generally rectangular shape.

The top handle 12 can contain a dead machine fold 34 a, 34 b thatprovides for the handle 12 to consistently fold in the same direction,as illustrated in FIG. 3. The dead machine fold 34 a, 34 b permitsfolding in a first direction toward the front side panel 22 andrestricts folding in a second direction toward the rear side panel 24,as shown in FIG. 3. The term “restricts” as used throughout thisapplication, can mean that it is easier to move in one direction, or thefirst direction, than in an opposite direction, such as the seconddirection. The machine fold 34 a, 34 b can be located in each of thepair of legs 13, 15 at a location where the handle seal 80 begins. Themachine fold 34 a, 34 b in the top handle 12 can allow for the tophandle 12 to be inclined to fold or bend consistently in the same firstdirection towards the front panel 22 as the bottom handle 14, ratherthan in the second direction towards the rear panel 24.

The top handle opening 21 of the top handle 12 may or may not have aflap 36 that comprises the cut material that forms the top handleopening 21, as shown in FIGS. 1, 1A and 2. To define the top handleopening 21, the top handle 21 can have a section that is cut out of themultilayer top handle 12 along three sides or portions while remainingattached at a fourth side, such as the upper handle portion 12 a, theleg 13, or the leg 15. This provides a flap of material 36 that can bepushed through the top handle opening 21 by the user upward toward theupper handle portion 12 a, and folded over an edge of the top handleopening 21 to provide a relatively smooth gripping surface at an edgethat contacts the user's hand. If the flap of material 36 werecompletely cut out, this would leave an exposed fourth side or upperedge that could be relatively sharp and could possibly cut or scratchthe hand when placed there. In an embodiment, the flap of material 36 isformed from the handle seal 80. In an embodiment, the top handle 12includes a flap portion 36.

In an embodiment, the top handle 12 includes one, two, or three flapportions 36. In an embodiment, the top handle 12 includes a flap portion36 attached at the upper handle portion 12 a, as shown in FIG. 1. Inanother embodiment, the top handle 12 includes a flap portion 36attached at one or both of the legs 13, 15. Although FIG. 1A shows aflap portion 36 attached to leg 13, it is understood that the flapportion can be located along leg 15, or along each of leg 13 and leg 15.

In an embodiment, the top handle 12 excludes a flap portion 36.

B. Bottom Handle

In an embodiment, the flexible container includes a bottom handlelocated at the bottom end of the chamber, as shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the flexible bottom handle 14 can bepositioned at a bottom end 46 of the container such that the bottomhandle 14 is an extension of the bottom segment 26, and, in particular,can extend from the four bottom faces 26 a-26 d that make up the bottomsegment 26, as shown in FIG. 4. The four panels 26 a-26 d come togetherat a midpoint of the bottom segment 26. The bottom faces 26 a-26 d aresealed together, such as by using a heat-sealing technology, to form ahandle seal 80 that forms the bottom handle 14. For instance, a weld canbe made to form the handle seal 80 and the bottom handle 14, and to sealthe edges of the bottom segment 26 together. Nonlimiting examples ofsuitable heat-sealing technologies include hot bar sealing, hot diesealing, impulse sealing, high frequency sealing, or ultrasonic sealingmethods. The bottom handle 14 is located at the bottom end of thechamber 45 b, as shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 4, the gussets 54 and 56 of the flexible container 10can further extend into the bottom handle 14. In the aspect where thegussets 54 and 56 are positioned adjacent to bottom segment panels 26 band 26 d, the bottom handle 14 can also extend across bottom faces 26 band 26 d, extending between the pair of panels 18 and 20. The bottomhandle 14 can be positioned along a center portion or midpoint of thebottom segment 26 between the front panel 22 and the rear panel 24.

The bottom handle 14 can have a U-shape with a horizontal carry member14 a having two pairs of spaced legs 17 and 19 extending therefrom, asshown in FIG. 2. The pair of legs 17 and 19 extend from the bottomsegment 26.

The bottom handle 14 may or may not contain a bottom handle opening 16or cutout section therein sized to fit a user's hand, as seen in FIG. 1.The bottom handle opening 16 can be any shape that is convenient to fitthe hand and, in one aspect, the bottom handle opening 16 can have agenerally oval shape. In another embodiment, the bottom handle opening16 can have a generally rectangular shape.

The bottom handle opening 16 of the bottom handle 14 may or may not havea flap 38 that comprises the cut material that forms the bottom handleopening 16. To define the bottom handle opening 16, the bottom handle 14can have a section that is cut out of the multilayer bottom handle 14along three sides or portions while remaining attached at a fourth side,such as the lower handle portion 14 a, the leg 17, or the leg 19. Thisprovides a flap of material 38 that can be pushed through the bottomhandle opening 16 by the user downward toward the lower handle portion14 a, and folded over an edge of the bottom handle opening 16 to providea relatively smooth gripping surface at an edge that contacts the user'shand. If the flap of material 38 were completely cut out, this wouldleave an exposed fourth side or lower edge that could be relativelysharp and could possibly cut or scratch the hand when placed there. Inan embodiment, the flap of material 38 is formed from the handle seal80. In an embodiment, the bottom handle 14 includes one, two, or threeflap portions 38. In an embodiment, the bottom handle 14 includes a flapportion 38 attached at the lower handle portion 14 a, as shown inFIG. 1. In another embodiment, the bottom handle 14 includes a flapportion 38 attached at one or both of the legs 17, 19.

In an embodiment, the bottom handle 14 excludes a flap portion 38.

In another embodiment, the bottom handle 14 excludes a flap portion 38and the top handle 12 excludes a flap portion 36.

As the flexible container 10 is evacuated and less product 58 remains,the bottom handle 14 can continue to provide support to help theflexible container 10 to remain standing upright unsupported and withouttipping over. Because the bottom handle 14 is sealed generally along itsentire length extending between the pair of gusset panels 18 and 20 witha handle seal 80, it can help to keep the gussets 54 and 56 (FIGS. 4)together and continue to provide support to stand the container 10upright, even as the container 10 is emptied.

In an embodiment, the bottom handle 14 contains a machine fold that alsoallows it to fold consistently in the same first direction towards thefront panel 22 as the top handle 12.

When the container 10 is in a rest position, such as when it is standingupright on its bottom segment 26, the bottom handle 14 can be foldedunderneath the container 10 along a bottom machine fold in the firstdirection towards the front panel 22, so that it is parallel to thebottom segment 26 and adjacent bottom panel 26 a, and the top handle 12will automatically fold along its machine fold 34 a, 34 b in the samefirst direction towards the front panel 22, with a front surface of thetop handle 12 parallel to a panel 28 a of the top segment 28. The tophandle 12 folds in the first direction towards the front panel 22,rather than extending straight up, perpendicular to the top segment 28,because of the machine fold 34 a, 34 b. Both handles 12 and 14 areinclined to fold in the same direction towards the front panel 22, suchthat upon dispensing, the handles can fold the same direction,relatively parallel to its respective end panel or end segment, to makedispensing easier and more controlled. Therefore, in a rest position,the handles 12 and 14 are both folded generally parallel to one another.Additionally, the container 10 can stand upright even with the bottomhandle 14 positioned underneath the upright container 10.

5. Channel

In an embodiment, each flexible container disclosed herein includes atleast one handle, top handle 12 and/or bottom handle 14.

In an embodiment, at least one handle includes at least one channelformed from the handle seals. The channel includes a tube member 30 asshown in FIGS. 8-10A. A “channel” is a void volume sandwiched between atleast two panels that is formed by the handle seal, which at leastpartially, or fully, surrounds the void volume. The channel is locatedwithin the handle.

FIGS. 8-10A show embodiments of another flexible container provided bythe present disclosure. In an embodiment, a flexible container isprovided and includes a flexible container comprising: a front panel, arear panel, a first gusset side panel, and a second gusset side panel,the gusset side panels adjoining the front panel and the rear panelalong (i) peripheral seals to form a chamber; and (ii) handle seals toform a handle. The handle is located at an end of the chamber andincludes a channel formed from the handle seals. A tube member is sealedto the flexible container and a portion of the tube member (proximateend of the tube member) is in fluid communication with the chamber.Another portion of the tube member (a distal end of the tube member) islocated in the channel.

FIGS. 8, 8A shows a flexible container 110 with a channel 186 in the tophandle 12, the channel 186 formed by handle seal 80. FIG. 8 showsflexible container 110 in the collapsed configuration and FIG. 8A showsflexible container 110 in the expanded configuration. The channel 186extends through leg 15. The flexible container 110 is the same as, orsubstantially the same as, the flexible container 10. The differencebetween flexible container 10 and flexible container 110 is the locationof the tube member. For flexible container 10, the tube member 30 issealed in the neck section IV, whereas for flexible container 110, thetube member 190 is located in a channel formed by the top handle 12.

For flexible container 110, the neck 50 may or may not include a fitmentand/or a re-sealable seal for loading product 58 into the chamber 45. Inan embodiment, the neck 50 is permanently sealed with no fitment asshown in FIGS. 8-8A.

The channel 186 contains a tube member 190. The tube member 190 can haveany structure, composition and/or dimensions as previously disclosed fortube member 30. A proximate end 192 of the tube member 190 is heatsealed between two opposing panels (such as between front panel 22 andgusset panel 18 for example) along upper tapered seal 41 a in thetransition section III. The proximate end 192 is in fluid communicationwith the chamber 45. A distal end 194 of the tube member 190 is locatedin the channel 186 where the carry member 12 a and the leg 15 intersectat location E. The distal end 194 can include a removable closure 195.An access member, such as a tear seal 196, is present in the films thatform the handle 12. Actuation of the access member 196 exposes thedistal end 194 of the tube member 190.

FIG. 8A shows that a person 198 can hold the flexible container 110upside down by grasping only the bottom handle 14 with her hand so as todischarge the product 58 in the chamber 45 through the tube member 190.

FIGS. 9, 9A show a flexible container 210 with a channel 286 in the tophandle 12, the channel 286 formed by the handle seal 80. FIG. 9 showsflexible container 210 in the collapsed configuration and FIG. 9A showsflexible container 210 in the expanded configuration. The flexiblecontainer 210 is the same as, or substantially the same as, the flexiblecontainer 10. The difference between flexible container 10 and flexiblecontainer 210 is the location of the tube member. For flexible container10, the tube member 30 is sealed in the neck section IV, whereas forflexible container 210, the tube member 290 is located in a channelformed by the top handle 12.

For flexible container 210, the neck 50 may or may not include a fitmentand/or a re-sealable seal for loading product 58 into the chamber 45. Inan embodiment, the neck 50 is permanently sealed with no fitment asshown in FIGS. 9-9A.

Located in the channel 286 is a tube member 290. The tube member 290 canhave any structure, composition and/or dimensions as previouslydisclosed for tube member 30. The channel 286 extends through the one ofthe legs 15 and through carry member 12 a. A mid-section 291 of the tubemember 290 is heat sealed between two opposing panels (such betweenfront panel 22 and gusset panel 18 for example) along upper tapered seal41 a in the transition section III. The tube member 290 extends into thechamber 45 such that a proximate end 292 of the tube member 290 is influid communication with the chamber 45. The length of the tube member286 can be varied so that the proximate end 292 is located in either thebody section (292) or is located in the bottom section I (292 a) of theflexible container 210.

FIG. 9 shows the tube member 290 bends and extends beyond location E andthrough the channel 286 formed by handle seal 80 in carry member 12 a,such that a distal end 294 of the tube member 290 is located in thechannel 286 where the carry member 12 a and the leg 13 intersect atlocation F. The distal end 294 can include a removable closure 295. Anaccess member, such as a tear seal 296, is present along a portion ofthe handle seal 80. Actuation of the access member 296 exposes thedistal end 294 of the tube member 290.

In an embodiment, the tube member 290 includes a flexible elbow 297. Theflexible elbow 297 permits the tube member 290 to bend at location Ewithout deformation. The flexible elbow 297 also permits extension ofthe tube member when the tube member 290 is removed from the channel 286vis-à-vis actuation of the tear seal 296. In a further embodiment, thetube member 290 is a drinking straw. A “drinking straw” is a tube memberfor transferring a beverage from a container to the mouth of a drinker.

FIG. 9A shows that a person 298 can hold the flexible container 210 andenjoy the consumption of liquid content such as a refreshing beverage299, by sucking the liquid 299 from the bottom of the chamber 45 andthrough the tube member 290 (that is a drinking straw).

Prior to use, the channel 286 protects the tube member 290 from dirtand/or contaminants. FIG. 9A shows that by pulling the tear seal 296 indirection G, a person 298 actuates the tear seal 296 to expose a clean,contaminant-free tube member 290 (i.e., a drinking straw). In this way,the flexible container 210 (and flexible container 10 a, 110) providesan aseptic container suitable consuming content therefrom. The flexiblecontainer 210 thereby provides a convenient, safe, clean deliveryplatform for a comestible, such as beverage 299, stored in the chamber45. The person 298 can place her lips and/or mouth directly on the cleanand dirt-free distal end 294 of the tube member 290 for safe consumptionof the beverage 299, without fear or risk of contamination.

FIGS. 10, 10A show a flexible container 310 with a channel 386 in thebottom handle 14, the channel 386 formed by the handle seal 80. FIG. 10shows flexible container 310 in the collapsed configuration and FIG. 10Ashows flexible container 310 in the expanded configuration. The channel386 extends through the leg 19. The flexible container 310 is the sameas, or substantially the same as, the flexible container 10. Thedifference between flexible container 10 and flexible container 310 isthe location of the tube member. For flexible container 10, the tubemember 30 is sealed in the neck section IV, whereas for flexiblecontainer 310, the tube member 390 is located in bottom section I in achannel formed in the bottom handle 14.

For flexible container 310, the neck 50 may or may not include a fitmentand/or a re-sealable seal for loading product 58 into the chamber 45. Inan embodiment, the neck 50 is permanently sealed with no fitment asshown in FIGS. 10-10A.

The channel 386 contains a tube member 390. The tube member 390 can haveany structure, composition, and/or dimensions as previously disclosedfor tube member 30. A proximate end 392 of the tube member 390 is heatsealed between two opposing panels (such as between front panel 22 andgusset panel 18 for example) along peripheral seal 41 in the bottomsection I. The proximate end 392 is in fluid communication with thechamber 45. A distal end 394 of the tube member 390 is located in thechannel 386 in leg 19. The distal end 394 can include a removableclosure 395. An access member, such as a tear seal 396 is present.Actuation of the access member 396 exposes the distal end 394 of thetube member 390.

FIG. 10A shows that a person 398 can hold the flexible container 310from the top handle 12 and discharge the contents 58 of the chamber 45through the tube member 390.

Flexible container 10, 10 a, 110, 210, and 310 each may contain one,two, or more tube members as disclosed herein.

6. Flowable Substances

The flexible container 10, 10 a, 110, 210, and 310 can be used to storeany number of flowable substances therein. In particular, a flowablefood product 58 can be stored within the flexible container 10, as shownin FIGS. 2, 7, 8A, 9A (beverage 299) and 10A. In one aspect, flowablefood products 58 such as salad dressings; sauces; dairy products;mayonnaise; mustard; ketchup; soy sauce; other condiments; syrup;beverages such as water, juice, milk, carbonated beverages, beer, orwine; animal feed; pet feed; and the like can be stored inside of theflexible container 10, 10 a, 110, 210, and 310.

The flexible container 10, 10 a, 110, 210, and 310 is suitable forstorage of flowable substances with higher viscosity and requiringapplication of a squeezing force to the container in order to discharge.Nonlimiting examples of such squeezable and flowable substances includegrease, butter, margarine, soap, shampoo, animal feed, and sauces.

It is specifically intended that the present disclosure not be limitedto the embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but includemodified forms of those embodiments including portions of theembodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments ascome with the scope of the following claims.

1. A flexible container comprising: a front panel, a rear panel, a firstgusset side panel, and a second gusset side panel, the gusset sidepanels adjoining the front panel and the rear panel along (i) peripheralseals to form a chamber; and (ii) handle seals to form a handle, thehandle located at an end of the chamber; a tube member sealed to theflexible container, the tube member in fluid communication with thechamber; and the tube member comprising an ethylene/α-olefin multi-blockcopolymer.
 2. The flexible container of claim 1 wherein the tube memberis sealed between the front panel and the rear panel in a neck sectionof the flexible container.
 3. The flexible container of claim 1 whereinthe tube member is sealed between two panels along the peripheral sealin a transition section of the flexible container.
 4. The flexiblecontainer of claim 1 wherein the tube member has an outer diameter from0.5 mm to 50 mm.
 5. The flexible container of claim 1 wherein the tubemember is composed of a polymeric blend comprising from 60 wt % to 90 wt% of the ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer and from 40 wt % to 10wt % of a high density polyethylene.
 6. A flexible container comprising:a front panel, a rear panel, a first gusset side panel, and a secondgusset side panel, the gusset side panels adjoining the front panel andthe rear panel along (i) peripheral seals to form a chamber; and (ii)handle seals to form a handle, the handle located at an end of thechamber and comprising a channel formed from the handle seals; and atube member sealed to the flexible container, the tube member in fluidcommunication with the chamber and located in the channel.
 7. Theflexible container of claim 6 wherein the tube member comprises anethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer.
 8. The flexible container ofclaim 7 wherein the tube member is composed of a polymeric blendcomprising from 60 wt % to 90 wt % of the ethylene/α-olefin multi-blockcopolymer and from 40 wt % to 10 wt % of a high density polyethylene. 9.The flexible container of claim 6, wherein the tube member is located ina handle leg.
 10. The flexible container of claim 6, wherein a proximateend of the tube member is in fluid communication with the chamber. 11.The flexible container of claim 6 wherein a distal end of the tubemember is located in the handle; and the handle comprises an accessmember for exposing the distal end of the tube member.
 12. The flexiblecontainer of claim 6 wherein the tube member has an outer diameter from0.5 mm to 50 mm.